Mariner Sailmate

[BogMonster]

Looking at a new aux engine for the Vipermax and the Mariner Sailmate has popped onto the radar as something that might be a good choice - the high thrust fine-pitched Sailmate prop being designed to propel heavy craft.

My previous Johnson 6hp (which unfortunately I lost as part of the sale of the Humber) I always felt probably didn't make anywhere near 6hp as when shoving a heavy RIB the revs were bogged down and there was effectively no rev difference between half and full throttle.

Has anybody got a Sailmate 4/5/6hp, any comments on either the engine or the Sailmate setup? On paper it sounds like a good idea, but a search didn't show much up on here though most people don't seem to have an aux anyway which could be why.

On another point, I always vaguely intended to get a toy inflatable (2.x metre) and the aux was going to be used on that too. I assume the Sailmate would still be OK, just perhaps a little slow?

[Downhilldai]

I've had a 4hp 4-stroke Merc Sailmate for 3 years now. Bought it as an aux for my 5.8m Vipermax, so my experience should be exactly what you're looking for?


I haven't got around to making an aux bracket yet though, so it hasn't been out of the garage.......

[9D280]

I may be wrong here, but memory says the sailmate type engines also have a better balance of forward & reverse thrust for manoevering?

[BogMonster]

I am getting my Vmax built with a slight alteration to the transom on one side so that I don't need an aux bracket

The 4hp Sailmate has an internal tank plus external feed, while the 5/6 only have an external, so I think it's going to be a 4hp Sailmate, have sent off to see if the Mercury version is available as I'd prefer the black to Mariner's 1970s colour scheme

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I am getting my Vmax built with a slight alteration to the transom on one side so that I don't need an aux bracket

Yes, I did consider chopping out the lip on the top of the transom, but thought it would look out of place.

What main motor have you decided upon?

[BogMonster]

Jono pictured one on here with that mod and it looked OK.

Main whisk is an Etec 150

I figured I can add a chartplotter later, but bolting the extra 20 horses on would be messy

[Downhilldai]

Yes, it should be fine.

Just make sure they don't make your transom too thick. Mine measures 60mm and I think the saddle on the Merc Sailmate only opens up to around 55mm.

[BogMonster]

Ah - ok. Not something I had thought of, there was loads of clearance for the Johnson on a Humber transom. Will check it out, ta for the tip!!

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I haven't got around to making an aux bracket yet though, so it hasn't been out of the garage.......

So how do you find it performs in the garage? Does it collect less dust than other aux?

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by Mollers

So how do you find it performs in the garage? Does it collect less dust than other aux?

No, the entire collection of DHD outboards tend to perform similarly in that respect, but this one, being the only 4-stroke, does use a drop less fuel.